[Birdtalk] Long-tailed Jaeger Saturday

[mjw22 at comcast.net]

All,
   And I thought I lucked out because I happened to be in the St. George area this weekend.  I stopped by the reservoir around 12:30pm on Saturday 10/20.  Finding the bird wasn't a problem but the distance was.  There was a lot of activity on the water but the bird stayed put.  Perhaps he was still digesting the bluegill from the night before. I kept watching but wasn't getting much more than a few subtle field marks.  Fortunately (for me and my patient wife), a boat and wakeboarder came by and flushed the Jaeger enough for me to see it in flight (briefly) and note some additional field marks and ID it as a LONG-TAILED JAEGER.  

   My wife and I went to Zion NP and took a nice walk from Temple of Sinawava (anyone know the derivation of this name?) to Big Bend. The wind kept things fairly quiet but I did hear some Rock Wrens, Yellow-Rumpeds.  The bird highlight was 2 Golden Eagles near Big Bend. The location highlight was a little side canyon with some redwood steps and decks.  Our shuttle driver pointed it out to the whole bus, but we had the place to ourselves.  I'm not even sure it has a name.  Beautiful, subtle cascades with columbine (gone by) and a blooming orange Mimulus sp. (Monkeyflower).

   On the way back to the I-15, we stopped at Quail Creek SP again but conditions were windy and overcast.  I am fairly sure that I saw the bird WAY out...even farther than before despite the fact that I thought that impossible.  Thanks to those who emailed updates on this bird.

Good Birding,
Matt Williams
Midvale, UT